Part 4/9:
The LA Times article asserts that Hollywood has lost touch with Middle America, pursuing narratives that resonate poorly with their target demographic. It criticized the industry for listening more to "elite" opinions rather than the preferences of mainstream audiences. Such misalignment has resulted in decreased box office successes and a growing perception of Hollywood as out of touch.
The hosts reflected on how the article pointed out that Hollywood's repetitive focus on identity politics may have alienated potential audiences, who increasingly reject films perceived as thinly veiled political messaging. Furthermore, they lamented that this critical audience—once steadfast consumers of Hollywood content—no longer respects or admires the industry as they once did.